Recently, I purchased "The Complete Household Handbook". In preparation for moving into our new house, I wanted tips on cleaning and organizing so I won't be totally clueless once we move. This book has been amazing! There is one section that I found extremely helpful, and I thought I would pass it along. These are cleaning tips for your kitchen, bathroom, and throughout the house and helps you know what you should be doing daily, weekly, and occasionally. Enjoy!KITCHEN:daily-Dispose of trash and recycablesHandwash and dry dishes or place them in teh dishwasherWipe table, countertops, and range topWash coffeemaker thoroughlyRun food disposal and clean the sinkSweep or vacuum floor; wipe up any spots with a damp paper towelweekly-Thoroughly clean range top and front, drip pans, control knobs, and back splashWipe down microwave oven, both inside and otusideOrganize refrigerator and wipe up spills; dispose of leftover foods that have spoiledClean items on countertop; move them away from walls to wipe under and behind themSweep or vacuum and wash floorWipe table and chairsoccasionally-Wipe refrigerator sides and top and vacuum coilsWash refrigerator and freezer shelves and drawers, as neededWash ventilating fan/hood filtersThoroughly clean cabinets and drawersDust or vacuum wood workWash curtains, windows, screens, blinds, and shadesClean light fixturesClean the ovenBATHROOMdaily-Wipe fixtures, chrome, and countertopsStraighten towelsUse a squeegee or daily shower cleaner to prevent streaks and soap scum buildupweekly-Scrub bathtubs and sinksClean mirrorsClean shower stalls and doors and disinfect toiletsClean toothbrush and soap holdersWipe tile surfacesVacuum and wash floorsoccasionally- Wash throw rigs and shower curtainsWash windows, blinds, shades, or curtainsClean medicine cabinet and closets; discard medicines that have expiredClean light fixturesDust or vacuum walls and woodworkTHROUGHOUT THE HOUSEdaily-Put clothing, books, toys, and other items where they belongStraighten living spaces and bedroomsmake bedsGo through the mail; handle or recycle, as neededweekly-Dust furniture, books, pictures, lamp bases and shades, and electronicsVacuum floors and upholstery- and wood work as neededWipe smudges off walls and woodworkEmpty wastepaper basketsChange bed linensClean the mirrors, if neededRecycle or toss newspapers older than a week and magazines older than 3 monthsoccasionally- Vacuum or clean cutrains, draperies, and radiatorsWash windowsDust or vacuum walls and woodworkClean light fixturesMove and clean under furniturePolish furnitureDeep clean rugs and carpets; clean and wax bare floorsTurn mattresses and vacuum mattresses and box springs; launder mattress padsStraighten closets; give away unneeded itemsClean garage, basement, and atticClean humidifiers and dehumidifiersClean china cabinets and bookcases and contents, as needed

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Many of you know that I have been training for my first full marathon (26.2 miles) for the past 6 months or so. I have 4 half marathons under my belt and decided that it was time for a new challenge. The date of my marathon quickly approached and before I knew it, March 22nd was here! Last Sunday was my last long run and the i was supposed to take this week off from running. I did end up doing a coupld miles two days this past week, but nothing huge. Friday, I started carbo loading. Jonathan and i went to Atlas pizza and then on Saturday we met some friends of ours for a pasta dinner at Olive Garden! This is me the morning of my marathon (obviously BEFORE the run) :) Jonathan and my family were waiting for me at the finish line. Special thanks to Heather and Josh, the Otte Family, Lori, my family, Jonathan, and T J Bilbrey for coming out and cheering! You have no idea how much the cheering and supportive comments help! I'm pretty sure TJ doesn't read this blog, but Laura, please tell your husband that him and the troops were THE MOST supportive throughout the whole 26 miles. They were awesome..please thank him for me! :)

This was right after the race. I felt like I could not stand any longer.....currently I am still feeling this way! Haha

I must say that running the 26.2 miles was absolutely miserable while you're in the middle of it. But once you cross the finish line, you seem to forget about all of the pain that you just went through. Immediately after I finished, I said "No way..not again!" Now, I'm not opposed to another one at all. My official time has not been released yet, but I am thinking it is right around 4 hours and 40 minutes. I did not have a goal time for this race, I just wanted to finish. Next time I will aim for 4.5 hours. With a little bit of harder training, i know I can do it!

Thanks again for those of you who came out and to those of you who have been so supportive and encouraging these past 6 months. It means so much to me!!

Friday, March 6, 2009

If anyone is interested, Brusters is giving away a free one scoop waffle cone this weekend to anyone who shows up in their pajamas. I don't think Jonathan and I will be participating, but I know some of you will do some crazy things for free food.....especially ice cream!! :)

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Many of you have been asking me for the recipe of the homemade laundry detergent that I made this weekend. I got this recipe from the Duggar family (they have a show on TLC called "17 Kids and Counting"). Here is the recipe. I will say that it was very easy to make! I have not used the detergent yet, but I have a friend who has made it as well and said that it works great! Let me know if you give it a try!

Ingredients:Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value4 Cups hot tap water 1 Soap Bar (pick one with a mild scent)1 Cup Washing Soda (The only grocery store I was able to find this at was Harris Teeter)½ Cup Borax

Directions:- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

I am eventually planning on making all of my cleaning products myself. I have ready how much better it is. As a migrain sufferer, I am looking forward to getting rid of the strong odors that many cleaners have! Unfortunately I have stocked up on cleaning supplies from triple coupon days that it will take me a while to go through them all.

If you are interested in saving money on fabric softener as well, you can cut your dryer sheets into thirds. They will still work just as well...and last three times as long! Another idea is to mix up a solution of 1 part liquid fabric softener and 3 parts water into a spray bottle. Keep a stack of washcloths in your laundry room and spray a washcloth with the mixture. Then, just throw the washcloth in with your load of clothes to dry. Works well and it will save you a ton!

About Me

My name is Missy. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Jonathan, for just over a year! We got married on May 17, 2007 in the Grand Cayman Islands. We had a beautiful wedding and have adjusted to married life very easily! We also have two children with fur and four legs. Chubbs and Einstein are our two olde english bulldogges.